Ballage is a guy that I pegged prior to the start of the season as a riser (@LAOJoe can confirm our convo). He started getting some pub at the Senior bowl, followed it up with a solid combine and then really showed out at his pro day. Probably the most natural pass catcher in this class of running backs and with his size he makes for an immediate mismatch combing out of the backfield. Probably best served in a one cut and dash setting with his quick burst but he has better than advertised power ability. He's an effort pass blocker that needs refinement and he has the ability to become a 3 down back at the next level. And you're absolutely right Red. Ballage will run into traffic at times because he lacks patience, something that may be coached out of him, but he will need to learn it to reach his full potential. He's my RB5 going into the draft.
Okay, okay that's probably fair after I stole Edmonds but you're still a bastard and I hope the milk is curdled tomorrow when you make your bowl of Wheaties.
I had accepted the idea that he wouldn’t fall to me with Houston blocking his path, but Dan swooped down from the clouds on his magic carpet and offered me a ride up the board.
I'm baaack. I don't know if I should have traded up for Braden Smith but I have a 2nd round grade on him.
I personally graded him as a solid 3rd rounder. It would be 2nd except he misses guys on the move more often than you’d like. He’s naturally strong though. A power run team may love him. And he might go 2nd in the real deal